Police: Shooting appears to be self-defense

Published: Monday, February 18, 2013 at 3:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Sunday, February 17, 2013 at 11:54 p.m.

A Tuscaloosa County man reportedly shot another man in self-defense Sunday.

According to the Tuscaloosa County Metro Homicide Unit, a 42-year-old man was found bleeding on the floor while holding a knife in his hand when Tuscaloosa County sheriff’s deputies arrived at the 20000 block of U.S. Highway 43 North in northern Tuscaloosa County. Deputies had to restrain the 42-year-old man to allow emergency personnel to treat him and transport him to DCH Regional Medical Center, said Capt. Loyd Baker.

The gunman, 45, told police that the men had been drinking heavily since about 6 p.m. Saturday and that the 42-year-old man had become angry and agitated. The gunman told deputies that the 42-year-old man hit him in the face for “no reason” and then picked up a knife and lunged at him, Baker said.

The gunman told deputies that his pistol was lying on a bar and that he picked it up and the 42-year-old man grabbed the gun when it fired.

“The victim had several injuries to his face and arms,” Baker said.

Due to the evidence found at the scene and the statements made by witnesses, investigators have not charged the gunman. It appears that he acted in self-defense, Baker said.

The 42-year-old man was in stable condition at DCH Regional Medical Center on Sunday. The case is still under investigation.

<p>A Tuscaloosa County man reportedly shot another man in self-defense Sunday. </p><p>According to the Tuscaloosa County Metro Homicide Unit, a 42-year-old man was found bleeding on the floor while holding a knife in his hand when Tuscaloosa County sheriff's deputies arrived at the 20000 block of U.S. Highway 43 North in northern Tuscaloosa County. Deputies had to restrain the 42-year-old man to allow emergency personnel to treat him and transport him to DCH Regional Medical Center, said Capt. Loyd Baker. </p><p>The gunman, 45, told police that the men had been drinking heavily since about 6 p.m. Saturday and that the 42-year-old man had become angry and agitated. The gunman told deputies that the 42-year-old man hit him in the face for “no reason” and then picked up a knife and lunged at him, Baker said. </p><p>The gunman told deputies that his pistol was lying on a bar and that he picked it up and the 42-year-old man grabbed the gun when it fired. </p><p>“The victim had several injuries to his face and arms,” Baker said. </p><p>Due to the evidence found at the scene and the statements made by witnesses, investigators have not charged the gunman. It appears that he acted in self-defense, Baker said. </p><p>The 42-year-old man was in stable condition at DCH Regional Medical Center on Sunday. The case is still under investigation.</p><p>Reach Lydia Seabol Avant at 205-722-0222 or lydia.seabolavant@tuscaloosanews.com.</p>